Beach time!

After the rain stopped, we spent plenty of time on the beach. Leila learned the joys of playing chicken!

She found huge holes to sit in.

We even made a "Sand Leila" that got lots of attention from other beach-goers.

The beginning of a sand castle.

The view of BangTao beach from near our resort.

Pool time!

Leila LOVES playing in the water, and the pool was a big hit. She could wear her green monster floaty and have a blast without someone constantly holding her. Here she shows off her floating skills.

Playing with Jason.

Time to play ball!

Climbing the ladder to get out.

Andaman BangTao Bay Beach Resort

We chose our resort based on Erica's 3 requirements: Right on the beach, rooms with AC, and a pool. Here is the pool, palm trees, and the ocean.

Erica & June getting their afternoon Thai massages. They could see the ocean and hear the waves...it was pure heaven!

Erica reading in front of our bungalow.

This is the view from the porch of our bungalow. One step down from those thatched umbrellas and you're on the beach!

The RAIN

Let me take a moment to pay tribute to Mother Nature, who rained...no, POURED...on the first several days of our beach vacation. We have witnessed monsoons, tropical storms, and typhoons, and while this didn't quite land at the top of the "worst storms" list, it did put a damper on 3-4 days of beach time. Tourists and locals on outlying islands did have to be rescued by the Thai Navy because the regular boats and ferries weren't able to make the trip. At least we holed up in our hotel rooms and could watch the storms from our (relatively) dry windows.

On the Beach

Random wedding.

Watching a Gorgeous Sunset

We went to Surin Beach in Phuket to have dinner and watch the sun set. Didn't realize it was going to be such a nice sunset.
Banana smoothies

Family pics at beautiful sunset

This must have been one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. Definitely one of the best that Leila has ever seen.

Chinese Lanterns

These are lanterns made of paper, with a small oily paper inside that you light and wait for it to heat the air inside the lantern.
Then it floats up and away!

Breakfast on the Beach

Someone loves vanilla ice cream

Especially with whipped cream!

Travelling to Phuket, Thailand

We took a round-about way getting to the beach so in 24 hours we took 3 airplanes and 15 hours of layovers...ugh. But it wasn't as bad as it could have been, especially with 4 of us to wrangle Leila in her few tired and cranky moments. It was all worth it when we saw this sign waiting for us at the Phuket airport!

Leila made sure her babies were wearing seat belts for take off and landing!

She zonked out in the car ride to our hotel.

This is the tiny coffee stirring spoon. Leila decided it was the perfect size for her, and proceeded to eat her rice with it...one little piece at a time. It was a surprisingly productive way for her to spend an hour of our flight!

Leila and Pragati

Our didi Shila's neice Pragati came over to meet Leila on Friday afternoon. Pragati is 4, and was in awe of Leila's room and her toys. In no time, she & Leila were best of friends (and even arguing over the right way to use the slide!).

Crash!!

Posing next to Leila's fort.

Bal Sansar

Leila & her friends spent Friday morning at Bal Sansar, the indoor playground. Here she claimed she was "exercising" on the kid sized elliptical trainer.

Peeking out from around the bouncy castle.

Mini Golf at Phora

Grandma & Granddaddy took Leila to play mini golf at Phora while we were at work. Apparently she is quite good! Here, she studies the course.

Perfecting her technique.

HOLE IN ONE!! Yes, they claim that with a little help from Grandma, Leila actually got a hole in one. Impressive!

We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo...

We took Leila to the zoo last week and of course had fun seeing all the animals!

Eamon & Isla came too. Here, the three of them are looking for the very camouflaged crocodile.

After the zoo, Leila made a big pasta mess at lunch.

Leila the Catburglar

Leila found this hat in the house and insisted on wearing it on Saturday afternoon.  Actually, it doesn't look that bad, so I guess we'll keep it.

Leila and Granddaddy

Leila scored a ride on Granddaddy's shoulders!

HOLY HOLI!!!

Yesterday was the Hindu holiday of Holi. It is celebrated by having water balloon fights and playing with colored powder. This year we invited friends to join us on a HOLY HOLI run, and we had a great turn out! We went for a 3-mile run and were ambushed from rooftops, balconies, alleys, and anywhere else you could imagine. It was great fun!

Here is the group "before" shot. We were armed with water balloons and powder of our own, but it was no match for the neighborhood kids!

At the start, leaving our house.

Erica after the run.

The group "after" shot. Filthy as we were, we are still all smiles!